Zimbabwe vs India 2013: Ambati Rayudu opens up on his emotional journey into Team India

Ambati Rayudu of India bats during his unbeated knock of 63 against Zimbabwe in the 1st ODI in Harare on Wednesday

Ambati Rayudu, who has faced a lot of ups and downs during his domestic as well as brief international career, finally managed to secure a spot in the young Indian squad sent to play against Zimbabwe for the 5-match ODI series.

Despite his outstanding performance in the IPL and for his Hyderabad team in Ranji Trophy, Rayudu could not manage to get a permanent break in the national side.

However, after sharing a match-winning 159 runs partnership with promising, young Indian captain Virat Kohli, Rayudu exclaimed, “It feels marvelous.”

Zimbabwe managed to grab Kohli’s wicket before he could hit the winning runs, but Rayudu stood his ground until the end of the match which India effortlessly won with six wickets in hand.

At the post-match interview Rayudu told the media. “More than being happy, I was emotional. As I walked to the crease, everything just faded away. It was an emotional experience. I just wanted to be there and I can’t recollect anything except facing each delivery,” he said.

Rayudu walked into bat when the visitors were two wickets down for 57, with both the openers back in the pavillion. There was no intense pressure during that time but nevertheless India were far from victory.

With Kohli taking on most of the burden himself, Rayudu was gifted the luxury of time, which he utilised to the maximum extent to amass a deftly-played 63 runs. Together, the duo put up a match-winning 155 runs on the scoreboard after which defeat was inevitable for the home side.

“My family, my friends and especially the Mumbai Indians support staff [have been there for me],” Rayudu said. “Sachin [Tendulkar] and Robin Singh especially. They’ve helped me a lot, and I’d definitely like to thank them for that.

“I always had the belief that if I could get things right and I could get my mind right I could make it into the team one day, and I’m really happy that I got my chance today,” he wrapped up.